Dear ,

Calculating the amount of ink needed for a packaging and label printing job is a complex task – and one that the printer must get right to protect profits.

Underestimating the amount causes stoppages and lost production time. However, preparing too much means ink waste: even if leftovers can be remixed into new jobs with a dispenser, excessive press-return inks still represent wasted processing time.

The factors of accurate calculations
As we explain in our latest InkConnection blog, several factors affect the amount required for a flexo, gravure or screen print job. Beyond the run-length and print dimensions, these include absorption, ink transfer, surface area coverage, ink set and the minimum fill requirement of the printing station.

Beware over-reliance on staff experience!
Some ink room staff base their estimates on long experience. Even though this may deliver results, over-relying on personal experience makes the factory floor heavily dependent on a few key personnel.

Software drives accuracy and collective performance
An alternative is to use dedicated software for calculations – like GSE’s Article management module. Using software is a faster way to achieve accuracy – cutting waste, ink expenditure and makeready time. Moreover, the latest programs keep an archive of ink consumption for all jobs prepared – so all relevant staff have the knowledge to perform the task of ink-making.

It goes to show that automating ink processes is good for efficiency, colour quality and workplace flexibility!

For all your ink-related logistics questions, contact us at info@gsedispensing.com or telephone +31 575 568 080.

Wishing you profitable reading!

Maarten Hummelen
Marketing Director, GSE